Internet use of korean adolescents: A test of causal model

This study tested a causal model on Internet use by adolescents with the aim of identifying the effectiveness among variables of Internet use. Data were collected from self-reported questionnaires completed by 315 adolescents in Seoul, and analyzed by SAS and LISREL 8.13 program. The hypothetical model was modified to fit moderate data. The modified model displayed good fitness to the empirical data. Stress, motivation for Internet use, and self-esteem has significant direct effects on Internet use. Stress and motivation provided by the received information had significant indirect effects on Internet use. The results could help predict factors effective in to Internet use and prevent internet overuse by adolescents. An intervention geared towards managing stress, identifying motivations for Internet use, and improving self-esteem and family relationships should be considered.